Control of the directions of oxidative transformation of methane over nickel-based catalysts by acid-base properties

Two completely different directions of the oxidative transformation of methane (OTM) were performed on nickel-based catalysts due to the different acid-base properties of those catalysts. The relatively acidic LaNiOx and LiNiLaOx/Al2O3 catalysts exhibit excellent Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas (POM) performance. However, the relatively basic LiTiLaOx catalyst has a good Oxidative Coupling of Methane to C-2 Hydrocarbons (OCM) activity. The basic properties of the catalyst makes it difficult to reduce nickel and keeps it in the oxidized state. Reduced nickel is necessary for POM and oxidized nickel for the OCM reaction